Missy Elliott’s Out of This World Tour Dazzles L.A. Audience

“I’ve been a superstar since Daddy Kane was raw / I’m live on stage, c’mon, give me some applause,” Missy Elliott raps on her 2002 single “Bomb Intro / Pass That Dutch,” delivered with fervor. She then pauses to accept her applause: “Oh thank you, thank you, you all are so wonderful!”

This sentiment sums up Elliott, who has always shown gratitude for the admiration she receives, even as her career moves further away from her six studio albums. The most recent, “The Cookbook” from 2005, capped a career that has continually defied hip-hop conventions. Whether singing or rapping, Elliott has shaped her unique aesthetic in pop music.

It all came together at Elliott’s first headlining tour, which debuted at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The “Out of This World” tour is a testament to her role as an outlier in hip-hop and pop music. She glided from one hit to another with her team of backup dancers, supported by an energetic stage production that included shooting flames and intricate choreography.

Though it could seem like a nostalgia trip on paper, the tour, featuring long-time collaborators Timbaland, Ciara, and Busta Rhymes as opening acts, offered more. Each artist brought new flavors to their performances, pushing genre boundaries in ways that resonated across generations. Elliott acted as a gravitational center, having influenced them all through their careers.

Seamlessly, Elliott navigated her discography, covering her biggest hits like “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” and “Work It,” as well as lesser-known gems like “Lick Shots” and “We Run This.” Every performance was meticulously planned, from her flowing cape on “She’s a Bitch” to Motown-styled backup on “Pussycat.”

The production value of Elliott’s set contributed significantly to the show. Her performance of “Sock It 2 Me” was accompanied by a giant video projection of herself in a Mega Man outfit, reminiscent of the original video. For “Gossip Folks,” she floated above the audience on a podium. Tiny in stature, her outsized personality filled the arena, making her the undeniable focal point of the show.

Addressing the crowd, Elliott said, “I’ve been doing this for almost 30 years. If you came here tonight, you think out of the box and you’re special.” This statement could just as well describe herself and her influence. Even after almost two decades since her last album, she continues to entertain and captivate as if she’s been touring for decades.

The opening acts further set the stage for Elliott’s performance. Timbaland showcased his hits, while Rhymes and his hype man Spliff Star energized the crowd with “Pass the Courvoisier.” Ciara’s set, filled with sweat and allure, featured her dance crew alongside her hits “Body Party,” “Goodies,” and “1, 2 Step.”

All the artists came together at the end to perform collaborations with Elliott: “Up Jumps da Boogie” with Timbaland, “Touch It” with Rhymes, and “Lose Control” with Ciara. Elliott’s understated influence in hip-hop became undeniable, creating a grand tour of excellence that highlighted her strengths. At 53, her first tour promises an exciting future.

Source: Variety